Mike Stobe/Getty Images for New York Red BullsErik Stover had been a driving force behind Red Bull Arena in Harrison.

The Red Bulls announced the hiring of Chris Heck as president, business operations, today and the resignation of managing director Erik Stover.

Stover had been the man in charge of building Red Bull Arena, which is considered the crown jewel of Major League Soccer. His resignation is effective following the MLS All-Star Game July 27 at Red Bull Arena.

Heck, who will begin the job immediately, will oversee the business and commercial aspects of the club and the stadium.

Heck has been the senior vice president of marketing partnerships for the National Basketball Association since 2004, where he managed the business for the USA Basketball men’s and women’s national teams.

“I’m extremely excited to join the New York Red Bulls, which I consider the premier franchise in Major League Soccer,” Heck said in a statement. “The global sport of soccer continues to thrive and grow in this country at a tremendous rate and I’m happy to be able to play a role in its development through my contributions to New York’s soccer team.”

Stover was hired as vice president, operations on March 1, 2008 and was promoted to his current post that May.

“After much consideration, I’ve decided to start a new chapter in my professional career and resign from Red Bull New York following the completion of the MLS All-Star Game,” Stover said in a statement. “It has been more than three years of great experiences and I’m very proud of what we have accomplished as an organization in that period.

“Currently I’m reviewing several opportunities inside and outside of the soccer world and expect to make a decision in the near future.”